Oakwood edge ahead in Premier title race after shock Hendon defeat

The Premier Division took a new twist after 10-man North London Raiders A enjoyed a stunning 3-0 win against league leaders Hendon United Sport.
Josh Goldstein (2) and Josh Bharier scored the Raiders goals.
Manager Daniel Shafron described the performance as the most complete this season following the 20th minute sending off as his team controlled the game.
Hendon player-manager Greg Corin bemoaned “uncharacteristic” errors for the goals.
“We’re very disappointed,” he said. “Hendon aren’t used to losing and the manner in which we lost to 10 men has been hard to take.”
Corin acknowledged Raiders display but rued the dismissal as it changed the pattern of the game.
“Raiders retreated and were successful late in the game on the break,” he said. “But fair play to them, they were organised and we couldn’t break them down.”
Oakwood A moved a point clear of Hendon, who have a game in hand, after a hard fought 2-2 draw against Maccabi London Lions White.
Sam Hammerton and Max Misrahi scored for Lions after Oakwood’s Josh Cuby opened the scoring. Simon Davies equalised late on.
“This was a big point given the circumstances,” said Oakwood boss Daniel Kristall.
“We battled well, our keeper was superb and we came back from a goal down.
“With news from Raiders versus Hendon it goes to prove how good this league is. It’s wide open which can only be a good thing and is a great advert for Jewish football.”
The game though was marred by a serious knee injury to Oakwood’s Tom Cantor and a concussion to Kyle Bentwood.
“We wish Tom a speedy recovery, he’s a true warrior and has been brilliant this season,” said Kristall.
Maccabi London Lions Blue defeated Brady Maccabi 4-1 with Joshua Bloom and Jono Gaon both scoring twice.
“Today was a must win game,” said Lions manager Sam Marchant. “The boys worked hard for each other and got the points. It was a solid performance.”
Division One leaders Faithfold A dropped home points for the first time this season in a 2-2 draw with Redbridge Jewish Care C.
Ben Oldstein opened the scoring for Redbridge, Faithfold struck back with a Josh Wagner brace before Jason Patmore equalised.
“We have themselves to blame for not collecting the points,” said player-manager Avi Markiewicz. “Bad decisions, complacency and wasteful shooting kept it at 2-2.”
“Today was two points dropped, but we are unbeaten and showed character to come back, though it felt like a loss.”
North London Raiders B are a point off top spot after a 4-1 win against Oakwood B.
Jake Gilbert scored either side of a Sam Modlin goal for the visitors.
David Esterkin flicked in a free kick before Gilbert completed the win with his hat-trick goal.
Raiders manager Doron Salomon said:
“Oakwood were excellent for 45 minutes but allowed us to go into half time just a goal behind.
“We regrouped and showed why we’ve won games playing with confidence and style.
“We’ve put ourselves in a strong position in the league and want to make it as uncomfortable for Faithfold as possible.
“We destroyed Raiders in the first half and missed half a dozen really good chances,” lamented Oakwood manager Jason Stein.
“They were brilliant second half and we fell to pieces. Raiders were worth their win. The shame for me is the game should be over at half-time.”
Scrabble is now in a relegation scrap after losing 5-2 at home to Los Blancos.
Oli Sade (2), Avi Kestenbaum, Jake Doffman and Joel Barnett scored for the visitors.
Josh Pugh and Ben Portnoi struck for Scrabble.
“It was an entertaining encounter decided by a 15-minute second half spell when we conceded three goals,” said Scrabble manager Ray Abrahams.
“We are very disappointed to lose in the manner we did. Having got into the game at 2-1 we lost discipline in a mad spell.
“Blancos took advantage when we left too many gaps and got punished. “
He added: “The boys showed fighting spirit and got a second just before the final whistle. I’m proud of the boys who turned out with knocks aware we didn’t have a substitute on the bench.
“Unfortunately long term injuries have really had an impact. We hope to get some boys back to provide more options in the last three league games. We need to start picking up points. “After looking like promotion candidates we now have a relegation fight on our hands.”
Redbridge Jewish Care B enjoyed a 2-1 win at bottom club Temple Fortune A with goals from Carl Dobrin and Daniel Gordon.
Bayern Mincha came from behind in a top-two battle to extend their Division Two lead to four points following a 2-1 win at Mill Hill Dons.
Zach Cohen opened the scoring for Mincha, only for Nicky Cooper to pounce after Jake Dayan’s shot was saved on 70 minutes.
Shortly after, Adam Ellis slotted home Bayern’s winner.
Bayern ended the match with 10 players after Adam Biton received a red card on 80 minutes.
“It was a tough game,” said Bayern boss Alon Pinhas, who described the sending off as harsh.
“We conceded on the counter attack and Dons piled on the pressure but we weren’t playing anywhere near our best so the half time break gave us an opportunity to change things.
“We went out in the second half and got the goals then Dons had us under pressure in the last 10 minutes but our defence and midfield did a great job to see out the game. The title challenge is now on.”
“Our inability to finish our chances in the first half came back to bite,” said Dons manager Brandon Hamme.
“The goals we conceded were unfortunate but Bayern were class today and deserved the win. They will be pushing us until the end for promotion. We are in for a fight.”
Catford & Bromley drew 2-2 with Temple Fortune B.
Gab Saul and Jonny Pressman put Catford in control before Catford equalised late on.
Having gone a goal down to a fluke cross, we showed tremendous character to level before edging ahead but lost concentration and Catford scored a scrappy equaliser against the run of play,” said Fortune boss Darren Zitren.
“The feelings within the squad are mixed. Whilst we are gutted to only take home a point, I am delighted with the improvement in this team. It just wasn’t to be today.”
Real Hendon and FC Team shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
“The game was played in tough conditions,” said Hendon boss Rafi Addlestone. “Both goals came from the ball being blown directly into the goal by the wind.
“Chaim Gothold scored our goal whilst our centre back pairing of Smulovitch and Shooter and were excellent especially in dealing with FC’s long throw tactic.”
Hertswood Vale came from behind just after the hour to 3-1 win at Straw Hat Pirates with goals from Josh Wood, Elio Elia and top scorer Josh Cohen.
Aron Gale scored Pirates’ goal.